Meet the Winner of the District 83 Banner Design Contest, Luis Leiva

Luis Leiva, District 83’s 2019 banner design                                             winner

Prior to the 2019 Toastmasters International Convention, the members of District 83 got to work designing a banner that would be entered in a contest. The grand prize? Your work featured in the Parade of Distinguished Districts at the 2019 International Convention, $50 in TI bucks, and recognition across District 83. You can’t forget bragging rights.

If you’re new to Toastmasters or didn’t catch the contest this time around, you can read more about it in our previous blog post. Taking home a win is Speakability Club member, Luis Leiva. District 83 Public Relations Manager, Jenna Barone, recently interviewed Luis so we can learn more about the creative mind behind the winning banner design. 

Luis Leiva’s winning banner design.

JB: What club are you in and for how long? 

LL: I belong to the Speakability Club out of Scotch Plains. I first attended Toastmasters Dec 19th 2018 

JB: Why did you join toastmasters? 

LL: I joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking skills. I aspire to be a keynote speaker and travel the world helping others and changing lives. I know if I want to get there I have to surround myself with people who are like minded and take speaking / presenting seriously. I researched on Youtube, “How to become a better speaker” and Toastmasters kept coming up, I then looked for a local chapter and found Speakability. I am grateful that there is an organization that helps people come together to improve not only speaking skills but communication in general. 

JB: What inspired your design? 

LL: To be honest with you, when I opened the email I saw that the designs were due the next day, I had 30 mins to kill before my next appointment so I decided to through my design in. My design came as a result of having to always create artwork for my company “Culture Estate”. As an entrepreneur you have to wear many hats and graphic designer has to be one of them if you want your vision to become a reality. I like simple and clean so the design had to reflect that. 

JB: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now, and how will Toastmasters play a role toward that end? 

LL: Like I mentioned, one of my goals is to take my public speaking to the highest level. I will be a sought after keynote speaker who travels to all parts of the world to help people get out of mediocrity and start living the life they want. I was recently asked why I go to Toastmasters if I am already a good speaker. My response is that I will always be a member because there are always people you can learn from and If you think you’re too good to learn then that’s when you stop growing. 

JB: What do you value most? 

LL: I value the organization and structure that Toastmaster offers. I would compare it to trying to learn music on your own or actually learning from a composer the notes, tempo and rhythm. It is a fast track to learning how to give an effective speech, lead, motivate, and communicate with others. I deeply value the science, and nuances behind speaking which help create a talk that can move the audience. 

Setting Your Intention for the New Toastmasters Year

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller

What does it mean to have vision? I had to stop and ask myself this back in May of 2019 when I found myself coming to the end of a particularly hectic season in my life. I was a newlywed working a full time, demanding job, teaching college students part-time as my side gig, volunteering with a local TEDx event, two Toastmasters clubs (I was an officer of one of them), and so on. At the time, vision was just trying to see the metaphorical finish line at the end of every day. I knew something had to change.

With the promise of life slowing down a bit, I returned to the long-cherished exercise of the vision board to re-evaluate my priorities. On Monday, June 17th, I summoned people across all walks of my life-church, Toastmasters, and family-to set two hours aside to not only help me fulfill a project for my Level 4 in Pathways but to also ponder the question of vision with me. A vision board is a collage of images meant to inspire or motivate you. For me, it challenged me to sit down and really ask myself “what do you want?” As a chronic over-committer, the issue wasn’t about discovering my passion. It was how I can work toward my goals within those passions while still maintaining a healthy balance in all areas of life. Toastmasters are notorious for over-committing.

The beauty of a new Toastmasters year is that it is a second chance to reset the clock (the first being actual New Year’s Day on January 1st). It gives us the chance to evaluate our goals in being part of this organization.

Set your Toastmasters intention for 2019-2020. 

What do you want to accomplish? Why? Everybody’s objective in joining Toastmasters is a little different. What can you do to work toward that objective? We often get lost in why we do things but instead give of our time and energy mindlessly. Before we know it, we look back on the year wondering where the time has gone and why we aren’t any closer to our goals. Articulating our vision can lead to ultimate fulfillment while avoiding burnout.

My intention is to build membership and enrichment of the Toastmasters experience within the club I am now president of-Shore Speakers. This vision has been a long time coming with the deep love I have for this club. I want to also knock out my last award in the traditional program-my ACB-and complete my HPL-Pathways style. My vision may also include only being part of one club instead of two to avoid the overload I am so prone to mentioned above. Sometimes being intentional about something means you may have less exposure to it.

I challenge you to write out the things you would like to accomplish this year with the investment you are making in yourself as a member of Toastmasters. If you are a visual person, settle in with a stack of magazines, some poster board, scissors, and glue and have at it! (not sure where to start? Here is an article to help you out). A vision board is something I see every day to remind me to set my intention every day and for the Toastmasters year ahead.

District 83 2019 Banner Design Contest

As the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year comes to a close, District 83 is excited to celebrate another year of being an international Distinguished District. With the International Convention next month in Denver, it is important to think of ways to stand out while we network with Toastmasters from around the world and get the 2019-2020 year off to a strong start. What better way to showcase your creativity (and earn some incredible prizes) than to enter the international banner design contest? Here are the details:

  • The contest is open to members in good standing, though certain district leaders are not eligible to enter (District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and Public Relations Manager). The winning design will be presented on a 4 ft by 8 ft banner that will be carried on stage by the District 83 team at the international convention on August 22nd during the Parade of Distinguished Districts.
  • The design MUST include the Toastmasters logo as well as the words “District 83 Toastmasters-Distinguished District” with the 2018-2019 District 83 theme in mind: ProACTIVE EmPOWERment. Not a graphic artist? Team up with a talented friend and split the award and recognition that comes with it.

Besides the international recognition your design will give you, you will be featured in the District 83 newsletter and blog for your incredible work. Have you had your eye on an item in the Toastmasters International shop like that portable banner stand or Toastmasters branded tablecloth for a polished and professional look for all of your club’s future meetings? The winning design will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to go toward any item(s) of your choice in the shop.

With the convention fast approaching, we encourage you to use the designs from past years, displayed below, to help you get started. You’ll want to have your design submitted to Jenna Barone, Public Relations Manager (jennabarone92@gmail.com) and Margarita Estrada, Immediate Past Public Relations Manager (Impact21estrada@gmail.com) before or by Sunday, July 21, 2019 to enter the contest.

We look forward to seeing some creative designs and cannot wait to proudly showcase District 83 in style at the international convention.

Jenna Barone, District 83 PRM for 2019-2020 Toastmasters Year

Meet District 83’s new PRM for the 2019-2020 Toastmasters year, Jenna Barone! We are excited to have her serving in district leadership this year and are delighted to benefit from her marketing expertise. Outgoing PRM for the 2018-2019 year, Margarita Estrada, DTM, interviewed Jenna so members of District 83 can learn more about her.

Club and how long you have been a TM?
I have been a member of the Clifton Chapter since March 2018

What made you decide to become a Toastmaster?
I was attending a Tony Robbins seminar back in December 2017 and I saw someone wearing a pin that said “Ask me about Toastmasters”
I ended up chickening out and never asked but 2 months later my friend texted me asking if i wanted to attend a Toastmasters meeting. I knew right then that the universe wanted me to check it out.

I attended my first meeting in February 2018 and instantly fell in love with how friendly, and supportive the members were. I knew it was a safe place to learn and develop myself into a better speaker and leader.

What have you skills have you gained?
I definitely feel more confident. I have found myself initiating conversations with strangers and taking on any speaking opportunity at work. I also take more risks. I challenge myself to leave my comfort zone in all different areas of my life.

What surprised you?
What surprised me the most is that I expected this club to only help me develop professionally but it has also become my happy place. No matter how i am feeling before a meeting, I always leave feeling empowered and inspired. The members genuinely want everyone to succeed and it gives me a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Who is your mentor in your club, and why?
When I joined, my mentor was Daniel Carhuayo who is our chapter’s treasurer. He was assigned to me and was very supportive as I journeyed through the program as a new member.

He would give me feedback, encourage me to take on roles, and explain anything and everything to me. It gave me a great understanding for why our club runs the way it does and added value to each meeting for me.

How do you feel about becoming the next PRM?
While I have big shoes to fill, I am excited to use my marketing experience and understanding for the ever-changing social platforms to grow the District’s profiles.

I look forward to continue providing our District’s followers with useful information adding my own creative twist.

Meet the District 83 Evaluation Contest Winner, Paul Ireifej

After three rounds of competition at club, area, and division contests, nine contestants from across District 83 gathered at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge, New Jersey on May 5, 2019 for the District 83 Evaluation Contest during the conference, Transforming the World with Words.

Evaluations are one of the most important parts of Toastmasters in that members get  feedback on performance, then incorporate those suggestions to improve future speeches. As test speaker, Mary Ann Grady, took the stage that morning, the nine contestants took meticulous notes to deliver their feedback to her. Hopefully, their feedback would be the most acute, insightful, and helpful to the speaker.

It was a tough competition! Paul Ireifeg, DTM of AT&T Toastmasters, took home the win.

Aida Murphy, DTM and Division F Director, interviewed Paul about how he got his start in Toastmasters and how he prepared to give one of his most important evaluations to date.

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I was forced (or maybe strongly encouraged?) to join Toastmasters by my hiring manager (my very first boss with AT&T). I stuttered a lot with simple 1-on-1 conversations at work and it was difficult to get through my 1-on-1 meetings with my boss. I went to a demo meeting in Florham Park (which led to the creation of the Shannon Toastmasters Club, now deprecated). I very reluctantly joined just to tell my manager I did so. I was terrified every Wednesday afternoon when it was time for a meeting.

What have you gained?

It’s difficult to articulate what I’ve gained with Toastmasters. I actually gave a 20 minute speech on this topic for the D83 Speaker’s Bureau. I’ve had a stutter ever since I was small. I had many speech therapists tell me I had a severe problem. At one point I was equipped with a small device in my ear that provided delayed audio feedback (to mimic someone else talking at the same time) to help with my speech. I no longer need a device or therapy, just Toastmasters (which is much cheaper!). Through contests, mentoring and District leadership positions, I gained more confidence that I ever thought possible. I also gained many very good friends who I share side hobbies with (like running, computer hacking, stand-up comedy and improv).

What made you decide to compete for the Evaluation Contest?

I put zero thought into the decision. I was actually just competing in the International Speech Contest at my home club. I participated in the Evaluation Contest just because I don’t have to prepare anything! I ended up placing 2nd in the speech contest and 1rst in the evaluation contest. I didn’t feel pressure as I climbed higher & higher because you don’t really need to prepare anything concrete.

How did you prepare for the Evaluation contest?

My home club, AT&T Middletown Toastmasters, was kind enough to let me give an evaluation each week!!! I practiced a lot, even outside of the club. I was once driving with a friend and asked her to give a 3 minute speech. She did (timed herself) and then I gave her a quick verbal evaluation. It was probably more stressful than the District contest. I also watched YouTube videos: both general training and real evaluations at past District contests.

Now that you have won the District Title, how do you feel?

I started writing my Tall Tales speech for the Fall contest. I want to keep competing and win other contests.

How has this experience changed you?

I feel much more comfortable giving feedback. I learned that my feedback actually has some merit and is helpful to people.

Meet the District 83 International Speech Contest Winner, Oscar Ocasio

After three rounds of competition at club, area, and division contests on top of hours of rehearsal, nine contestants across District 83 gathered at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge, New Jersey on May 4, 2019 for the District 83 International Speech Contest. This contest served as a crucial stepping stone for these speakers in that the winner would proceed to the next round of competition before going on to compete at the international contest held in Denver, CO in August.

Taking home the win for the day was Oscar Ocasio with his speech entitled “Letters.” District 83 Public Relations Manager, Margarita Estrada, DTM, recently interviewed Oscar about his Toastmasters experience, and, more importantly, the inspiration behind his speech.

Why did you join Toastmasters?

Besides the required basic speech course, I took an advanced speech class in college. My professor told me that I should join a Toastmasters club because he thought I would enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his class. I kept it in the back of my mind until 2011, when I joined Toastmasters of Westfield. I joined because I wanted to learn the techniques to become an outstanding speaker.

What have you gained?

Great, supportive friends; improved leadership skills; improved writing skills; the desire to help others; and the ability to apply, with confidence, all of the speaking skills I have learned so far.

You have won several Humorous Speech titles, what made you decide to compete for the International Speech title?

I enjoy the entertaining aspect of public speaking.  It helps me connect with the audience and it helps the audience retain my message.  I didn’t want to compete this year, but Amrita Gosh, who was Club Contest Chair, punched, kicked and bit me into competing.  She’s a tough lady! I wasn’t prepared to compete, and I wanted to compete next year. But, you have to take it when it comes.  So, I did. My favorite quote is: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get.”

How long did it take you to craft your speech?

I couldn’t come up with a speech.  The morning of the Club contest I didn’t have a speech.  Amrita asked me for the title of my speech, and I told her I didn’t even know what to speak about, much less have a title.  Then, I thought about what challenges I have had, and how I could piece them together. All of the challenges had a letter related to them. Within 5 minutes of Amrita’s text, I texted her again with the title, Letters. The letters serve to shed light on the challenge, and as the transitions for the speech. With the input of many of my Toastmaster friends I was able to improve the speech after each level of competition. It was a process to get it the content and delivery at the necessary level to compete at the District and beyond.

Now that you have won the District Title for international speech, how do you feel?

It feels good to have met that goal. However, like I say in my speech, “The opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings.”

This year there was added pressure at the District level because the Region contest was added, which is being held using the video recordings of the 6 District winners within each Region. Therefore, the delivery at the District had to be good enough to win both contests. I was told by friends and family who saw the Division and District contests that my delivery at the District level showed great improvement.  The fact that it improved makes me feel even better about winning District, because it means I have a good chance of winning the Regional, and earn the opportunity to compete at the semi-finals and finals in Colorado.

How has this experience changed you?

It has made me reach out to others for help.  It allowed me to recognize that no one does it alone, and that if you allow others to help you, you will be that more richer for using their experience and know-how.  I also learned how fortunate I am to have friends that sincerely want to help me achieve my goals. No matter what happens next on this journey, I’m already richer because of those friends and what they gave me.

Any advice for future contestants?

When you sit down to write, write for your audience.   What will you say that will motivate, inspire or move them?  Think outside the box. Take risks. Look to others for help and guidance. And, like I shared in my speech, have balance to enjoy the journey as much as the rewards.

 

Introducing Area 73 Director, Hemant Vora, CC, CL

Toastmaster Hemant Vora is a member of Rockland Toastmasters in Blauvelt, New York. He has been a member since 2016 and proudly represents Area 73 as their Area Director for the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year. Hemant has earned his Competent Communicator and Competent Leader awards.

Su Brooks, D83 Social Media Strategist and Training Coordinator, conducted an interview with Hemant. Hemant offers valuable advice for new members and how we can all become more effective speakers.

What is your vision for your Area?

Members of all clubs feel welcome and comfortable. They get inspired by speeches and leadership of other members. They are guided, supported and mentored on the path to expert communication and leadership by experienced and expert members of the club.

Who is your inspiration when it comes to leadership and why?

Mahatma Gandhi is my inspiration. He was very humble yet commanded strong and deep loyalty of the whole nation. He showed how to lead people towards their own success.

What is your advice for new members?

You have come to the right place to increase your communication as well as leadership skills. Use the support and guidance you get at the Toastmasters clubs and you will succeed in becoming a great communicator as well as a leader.

Give a tip to be an effective speaker.

Visualize, visualize, visualize. We always behave or perform as we think in our mind. Visualization is a very powerful tool. Always visualize yourself giving speeches very comfortably.

 

About Toastmasters District 83:

District 83 includes 155 clubs, with close to 4,000 members, in Metropolitan New Jersey, Staten Island, and Rockland County, New York. For more information, please visit the District 83 website, http://www.tm83.org.

About Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 300,000 members in 16,500 clubs in 141 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org.

For more information about Rockland Toastmasters, visit: https://rocklandtm.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Introducing Division I Director, Begonia Reyes, CC, CL

Toastmaster Begonia Reyes is a member of Impact 21 in Rahway, New Jersey and What Exit? In Edison, New Jersey. She has been a member since November 2014 and proudly represents Division I as their Division Director for the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year. Begonia has earned her Competent Communicator and Competent Leader awards.

Su Brooks, D83 Social Media Strategist and Training Coordinator, conducted an interview with Begonia. Read on to find out who inspires her and advice she has to inspire new speakers!

What is your vision for your Division?

To reach distinguished and ensuring that our club members are getting value out of this experience and reaching their highest potential.

Who is your inspiration when it comes to leadership and why?

Mario Lewis is a fantastic speaker and leader. He is a wonderful mentor always helping people in the club and providing positive feedback and recommendations that can be easily implemented.

What is your advice for new members?

My advice to new members is to look for a mentor, face their fears and challenge themselves to get better.

Give a tip to be an effective speaker.

Practice, practice, and practice be sure you know your speech before you give it.

 

About Toastmasters District 83:

District 83 includes 155 clubs, with close to 4,000 members, in Metropolitan New Jersey, Staten Island, and Rockland County, New York. For more information, please visit the District 83 website, http://www.tm83.org.

About Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 300,000 members in 16,500 clubs in 141 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org.

For more information about Impact 21, visit: https://impact21.toastmastersclubs.org/.

For more information about What Exit? visit: https://whatexit.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Introducing Area 93 Director, Dave Ostlund, ACB, ALB

Toastmaster Dave Ostlund is a member of Germinators Toastmasters Club, a corporate club in Montvale, New Jersey. He has been a member since June 2006 and proudly represents Area 93 as their Area Director for the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year. Dave has earned his Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Leader Bronze awards.

Su Brooks, D83 Social Media Strategist and Training Coordinator, conducted an interview with Dave about his vision for Area 93 and speaking tips he offered for effective speaking!

What is your vision for your Area?

Empower clubs to building relationships with members outside of their own club. The Toastmasters community can provide valuable support!

Who is your inspiration when it comes to leadership and why?

My 11-year-old niece and 8-year-old nephew. They have so much positive energy that it reminds me to enjoy life and spread that joy to those around me.

What is your advice for new members?

Stick with it and go at your own pace. It took me 2 years for my CC, another 4 years for my ACB, and likely another 6 years for my ACS.

Give a tip to be an effective speaker.

Avoid apologizing and pointing out your own mistakes during a presentation. The audience may not notice. Allow your words to speak for themselves and leave the evaluation to the evaluators. You can always remember to make an improvement for the next time!

 

About Toastmasters District 83:

District 83 includes 155 clubs, with close to 4,000 members, in Metropolitan New Jersey, Staten Island, and Rockland County, New York. For more information, please visit the District 83 website, http://www.tm83.org.

About Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 300,000 members in 16,500 clubs in 141 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org.

For more information about Germinators Toastmasters Club, visit: https://4786181.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Introducing Area 71 Director Terrance Erwin, ACB, ALB

Toastmaster Terrance Erwin is a member of Citco Speaks, a corporate club in Jersey City, New Jersey. She has been a member since 2015 and proudly represents Area 71 as their Area Director for the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year. Terrance has earned her Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Leader Bronze awards.

Su Brooks, D83 Social Media Strategist and Training Coordinator, conducted an interview with Terrance about life in Area leadership and her leadership philosophies.  

What is your vision for your Area?

I would like all my clubs to be Distinguished clubs.

Who is your inspiration when it comes to leadership and why?

I have so many individuals that inspire me regarding leadership, but I appreciate them all for being willing to share their experiences in order to enhance my life to make a better leader of me!

What is your advice for new members?

Get involved immediately by taking on meeting roles.

Give a tip to be an effective speaker.

Speak about something you are passionate about!

 

About Toastmasters District 83:

District 83 includes 155 clubs, with close to 4,000 members, in Metropolitan New Jersey, Staten Island, and Rockland County, New York. For more information, please visit the District 83 website, http://www.tm83.org.

About Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 300,000 members in 16,500 clubs in 141 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit http://www.toastmasters.org.

For more information about Citco Speaks, visit: https://4786181.toastmastersclubs.org/.